Centurian22
Member
I've killed a severe chunk of my monthly cellular data plan today researching hand guards on seller sites, manufacturer sites and YouTube.
I'm looking for free floating, 13-15", light (for the given length), modularity = being able to place rails only where I want them but with the option for the 45's not just 12, 3, 6, and 9o'clock positions. I had looked at the Samson Evolution Keymod ($205) series here: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/285...aluminum-matte as a $65 less expensive alternative to the BCM KMR 13" ($270). It wasn't until I Happened to come across the manufacturers videos for the Samson Evolution Free Float hand guard (including new keymod versions) here: http://youtu.be/xKyIoy0csqo that I discovered they can mount things at 16 different positions around the "clock" of the handguard!!!
So here is my breakdown and pros/cons list of the top 4 choices:
Midwest Industries G2 SS 15" x 1.5"OD 10.9oz $190
Pro's: Least expensive, smallest OD, easy mounting of accessories (they just screw into the holes) comes with 3-2.5" rail sections one with QD sling point, claimed lifetime warrantee edit: just noticed they use full normal rail sections. Con's: mounting 'only' at 12, 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30, and 9, no option (without the use of offsets) for mounting on the 45 degrees off the top on either side, also fewer options in where to mount along the handguard. Requires the replacement of the barrel nut though given that this is a new build this would only affect future swaps / cleanings.
Samson MFG Evolution (and Keymod version) 15" x 1.8"OD 13.4oz $194 ($205 for Keymod version) Pro's for both versions: 16 MOUNTING POINTS! (I like versatility), second lowest price, 1.56"ID fits most suppresses (handy if I ever go that route), easiest mounting to rifle (uses existing barrel nut). Base model comes with 2-2" and 1-4" ($55 value) rail sections. Keymod version does Not come with any sections of rails but allows for keymod attachment at 3, 6, and 9, in addition to all other backer plate mounting positions, keymod attachment is easier than backer plates. Samson accessories fit both original evolution and keymod versions. Con's: Edit, I just noticed their Rail sections are not solid but have the middle cut away, I have to imagine this weakens the design, backer plates are harder to deal with than directly screwing on like the MI or keymod, added cost of buying rail sections if I opt for the keymod version. I like having the versatility if keymod catches on, but don't know if its really worth the added cost/loss of 'free' rails. Samson says they stand behind their product and to contact them with any issues and they will take care of it but I don't see mention of an actual warrantee.
BCM KMR 13" (couldn't find width but looks similar 1.5-2" range) 7.7oz $270
Pro's: Lightest by far, all 8 standard mounting positions all keymod, appears to include two rail sections, seemingly better stronger more secure mounting of handguard to supplied barrel nut by opposed locking bolts (best described here: http://youtu.be/-AjlvIsCFp0) edit: also solid rail sections. Con's: highest price, no idea if Keymod will catch on (but at least there are rail sections available now), relatively new to market compared to the others, like the MI required replacement of the barrel nut but again not a big issue.
At this time I think I'm favoring the non Keymod Samson. Keymod would make things easier, but it's not like I'll ever be in a rush to swap accessories where it will matter all that much.
Thanks to VVelox for the link on the muzzle device study (http://vuurwapenblog.com/2013/10/03/ar15-muzzle-brakeflash-hidercompensator-comparison-part-1/), I finished reading it today. I believe I would be fine with the A2 but the upgrade options aren't much more either. The YHM Annihilator ($36)
is supposed to match if not outperform the Phantom ($34) (as it is designed after the phantom) in flash suppression. The phantom was barely beat out by the AAC Blackout ($56) and only one other in performance. The Annihilator doesn't need to be indexed. Nice for swapping, may not be so nice shooting prone due to kicked up dust/debris, though I hardly ever shoot prone so... take that for what it's worth. I'm holding off on Brake / Comp research for now until more is available on the YHM slant brake, and because I won't be adding one until after the rifle build. Much more to work on before that. For now I think the nod goes to the Annihilator for style, CQB (muzzle punch), flash suppression, and ease of install/swap.
So there's where I'm at as of going to bed tonight, sorry for the long winded post, I have a 'bad' habit of being too detailed and over analyzing things (could ya tell?).
Thanks for any input of experience with these or similar products!
I'm looking for free floating, 13-15", light (for the given length), modularity = being able to place rails only where I want them but with the option for the 45's not just 12, 3, 6, and 9o'clock positions. I had looked at the Samson Evolution Keymod ($205) series here: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/285...aluminum-matte as a $65 less expensive alternative to the BCM KMR 13" ($270). It wasn't until I Happened to come across the manufacturers videos for the Samson Evolution Free Float hand guard (including new keymod versions) here: http://youtu.be/xKyIoy0csqo that I discovered they can mount things at 16 different positions around the "clock" of the handguard!!!
So here is my breakdown and pros/cons list of the top 4 choices:
Midwest Industries G2 SS 15" x 1.5"OD 10.9oz $190
Pro's: Least expensive, smallest OD, easy mounting of accessories (they just screw into the holes) comes with 3-2.5" rail sections one with QD sling point, claimed lifetime warrantee edit: just noticed they use full normal rail sections. Con's: mounting 'only' at 12, 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30, and 9, no option (without the use of offsets) for mounting on the 45 degrees off the top on either side, also fewer options in where to mount along the handguard. Requires the replacement of the barrel nut though given that this is a new build this would only affect future swaps / cleanings.
Samson MFG Evolution (and Keymod version) 15" x 1.8"OD 13.4oz $194 ($205 for Keymod version) Pro's for both versions: 16 MOUNTING POINTS! (I like versatility), second lowest price, 1.56"ID fits most suppresses (handy if I ever go that route), easiest mounting to rifle (uses existing barrel nut). Base model comes with 2-2" and 1-4" ($55 value) rail sections. Keymod version does Not come with any sections of rails but allows for keymod attachment at 3, 6, and 9, in addition to all other backer plate mounting positions, keymod attachment is easier than backer plates. Samson accessories fit both original evolution and keymod versions. Con's: Edit, I just noticed their Rail sections are not solid but have the middle cut away, I have to imagine this weakens the design, backer plates are harder to deal with than directly screwing on like the MI or keymod, added cost of buying rail sections if I opt for the keymod version. I like having the versatility if keymod catches on, but don't know if its really worth the added cost/loss of 'free' rails. Samson says they stand behind their product and to contact them with any issues and they will take care of it but I don't see mention of an actual warrantee.
BCM KMR 13" (couldn't find width but looks similar 1.5-2" range) 7.7oz $270
Pro's: Lightest by far, all 8 standard mounting positions all keymod, appears to include two rail sections, seemingly better stronger more secure mounting of handguard to supplied barrel nut by opposed locking bolts (best described here: http://youtu.be/-AjlvIsCFp0) edit: also solid rail sections. Con's: highest price, no idea if Keymod will catch on (but at least there are rail sections available now), relatively new to market compared to the others, like the MI required replacement of the barrel nut but again not a big issue.
At this time I think I'm favoring the non Keymod Samson. Keymod would make things easier, but it's not like I'll ever be in a rush to swap accessories where it will matter all that much.
Thanks to VVelox for the link on the muzzle device study (http://vuurwapenblog.com/2013/10/03/ar15-muzzle-brakeflash-hidercompensator-comparison-part-1/), I finished reading it today. I believe I would be fine with the A2 but the upgrade options aren't much more either. The YHM Annihilator ($36)
is supposed to match if not outperform the Phantom ($34) (as it is designed after the phantom) in flash suppression. The phantom was barely beat out by the AAC Blackout ($56) and only one other in performance. The Annihilator doesn't need to be indexed. Nice for swapping, may not be so nice shooting prone due to kicked up dust/debris, though I hardly ever shoot prone so... take that for what it's worth. I'm holding off on Brake / Comp research for now until more is available on the YHM slant brake, and because I won't be adding one until after the rifle build. Much more to work on before that. For now I think the nod goes to the Annihilator for style, CQB (muzzle punch), flash suppression, and ease of install/swap.
So there's where I'm at as of going to bed tonight, sorry for the long winded post, I have a 'bad' habit of being too detailed and over analyzing things (could ya tell?).
Thanks for any input of experience with these or similar products!
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